“He had no pulse”

FOXBOROUGH, Massachusetts (WCVB) – A 14-year-old Massachusetts boy is recovering after a life-threatening collision on the soccer field.

Gavin Smith is alive thanks to the quick intervention of two medically trained mothers in the stands.

The Foxborough High School freshman was playing in Tuesday's game against Canton when a collision nearly cost him his life.

“I was heading the ball and another player was heading the ball and we just collided,” Gavin described.

Foxborough Cable Access has removed video of the accident from its feed, but hundreds of people have seen it, including Gavin's best friend Matthew.

“It was very traumatic when I saw him having a seizure. I screamed at the trainer, 'He's having a seizure. Come here right now,'” Matthew recalled.

Gavin said he fell to the ground, his arm outstretched and his gaze directed in one direction.

The teenager's mother, Donna Smith, also witnessed the nightmare.

“Some Foxborough moms who are medically trained immediately stepped in with the athletic trainer,” Gavin's mother said. “He was all blue when we got there.”

Andrea DeSantis was one of the nurses assisting.

“He had no pulse at that point, so the trainer and I initiated CPR,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis is a nurse at Boston Children's Hospital. She is also Matthew's mother.

“It was just a big challenge because I've known Gavin since he was little and I consider him my own son,” DeSantis added.

Together, these friends and neighbors brought Gavin back. When paramedics arrived, he was conscious and breathing.

Two days later, the 14-year-old is in concussion protocol, but he is doing well.

Gavin’s mother is infinitely grateful.

“Two mothers from my town rescued my child right in front of me, and when I was outside alone, they wrapped themselves around me like a blanket, and it continued all night long with texts, phone calls and prayers,” Smith said.

Gavin is expected to make a full recovery.

“I think CPR training is a must for the community and there needs to be CPR professionals at every sporting event because every second counts,” DeSantis added.

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